Chowrasta to get a facelift Sunset view and more space

Darjeeling: Chowrasta, the most famous square in
Darjeeling, is set for a major facelift with planners working on an idea
to create more space and ensure better view of sunset and distinct
natural feel of the hills.

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration has given its green light for two-phase renovation estimated to cost Rs 12 crore.

The Telegraph
is in possession of the master plan prepared by architect Dipang Lama,
whose firm Daisies and Blue Skies, has been working on the design since
2015.

The master plan proposed a five-phase work. But the GTA has as of now chosen a two-phase renovation plan.

"Our plan is to create more space, bring more sun, more view and give a
natural feel of the place, along with addressing public safety and
conveniences in a futurist manner," said Lama.

In the first phase, cobbled stones would be laid from Keventers to
the tri-junction below Darjeeling SP's bungalow. "The water fountain
would be improved, horse stable will be redesigned so that ponies do not
loiter in the square and better seating arrangements would be put in
place," said Dipang.

Dramatic changes are expected on completion
of second phase. "Chowrasta would be extended on two sides in such a
manner that sunset can be viewed. There would be parking facilities for
around 60 vehicles and street vendors would be accommodated in a proper
manner while keeping the road to Alice Villa clear," said Dipang.

There is no parking space in the area right now.

The other extension would be opposite to the road that leads to Mahakal Mandir.

"From the present 50,000sqft, the space of Chowrasta would be increased to approximately 1.5 lakh sqft," said Lama.

Parking
facilities would come up at the ground level opposite Hotel Alice
Villa. "This would create space to have a children park right at
Chowrasta," said Dipang.

A survey by the designers found out that
vehicles would ply through the Mall Road (between Gorkha Rangamach
Bhavan and Raj Bhavan) every two second at peak hours.

"This
causes discomfort to those wanting to take a walk around the Mall. We
have designed an elevated 8m pathway from near Southfield College gate
to the Mall view point," said Lama.

This would ensure that neither traffic nor pedestrians would be disturbed.

"Those
taking a walk, in fact, will have a better and unobstructed view," said
Lama citing the example of a similar elevated pathway at Seattle, US,
where a pathway was constructed to join the sea beach with the main
town, which was earlier divided by a highway.

The Telegraph

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Chowrasta, the most famous square in Darjeeling, is set for a major facelift with planners working on an idea to create more space and ensure better view of sunset and distinct natural feel of the hills.